Morton (31-3, 14-0): The Potters once again will be the team to beat in the Mid-Illini. Morton returns 6-1 senior Sarah Livingston (14.8 ppg, 8 rpg, 2.6 bpg) and 5-11 junior Kate Byrne (11 ppg), both starters and first-team all-conference selections in 2011-12. Juniors Abbie Cox and Emily Schultz also bring a wealth of varsity experience. “What I want for us is to be the hardest workers every day and to improve and peak at the end of the season,” said coach Bob Becker. “We don’t lower our expectations but we are realistic and we have work to do.”
- 2 Washington (11-17, 4-10): The Panthers had a number of underclassmen with a lot of varsity minutes last year, including juniors Becca Dwyer, MaKayla Hartter, Hayley Reneau and Jess Learned. The Panthers have no seniors on their roster. “We lost a lot of our points (from last year) but I think we have some talent and I think we’ll get better as the year goes on because we’re so young,” said coach Randy Marchand. “These guys are used to winning so they’ve got the mindset and the attitude to do well.”
- 3 Dunlap (13-15, 8-6): This season, the Eagles should reap the benefits of starting such a young team last year. Sophomore forward Brianna Henson (5.9 rpg) made great strides last year and Dunlap also returns starters Kristeen Morgan (jr. G) and Liz Zoz (jr. F, 6.3 rpg). Junior F Morgan Erickson will be out at least part of the season with a knee injury. “The girls have been working hard and we have a lot back from last year,” said coach Pat Garst. “It was disappointing when we found out Morgan tore her ACL but she may be back in January.”
- 4 Metamora (8-19, 6-8): Riley Gardner takes over from Steve Gorrell and has a number of returnees, including senior G Erica Phillips, senior G/F Kyler Samp (second team all-conference, 10 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and senior G Joelie Zwick. “We want to be a little more up-tempo and defense will be an emphasis for us,” said Garner. “We will be high energy and do more subbing and have a different-paced team, hopefully.”
- 5 Limestone (19-8, 10-4): The Rockets return senior F/C Morgan Schwindenhammer (5.8 rpg) and senior G/F Reilly Dunne (6.2 rpg, second-team all-conference). “We have five players who played on the volleyball team that won a regional championship ad we are hoping the team can build on that accomplishment and carry it over to the basketball court,” said coach Kevin Metzger. “We only have two returning starters so the bulk of the roster needs to make the adjustment to varsity competition quickly.”
- 7 East Peoria (5-22, 2-12): The Raiders had a young team last season and return leading scorer Kylie Giebelhausen (second team all-conference) and junior G/F Sarah Kurth. Junior Michaela Reedy also transferred in from Notre Dame. “We’re looking to take some strides,” said coach Jay Bowman. “We’ll be depending on our seniors quite a bit.”
- 8 Pekin (14-14, 9-5): Pekin lost four starters from last year’s team but returns seniors Katie Powell, Erika Johnson and Samantha Schultz. “The kids we have coming back had some quality minutes last year so I’m optimistic,” said coach Becky Fulkerson. “This will be Katie’s third year as starting point guard so we know the competition is probably going to be focusing on her.”
PJS and the Mid-Illini Conference: A Sports Dynamic Explored The Pekin Journal Star (PJS) is a journalistic powerhouse that plays a significant role in covering sports events within the Mid-Illini Conference. In this article, we dive into the significance of the PJS's coverage of the Mid-Illini Conference, exploring its role in fostering community engagement, providing in-depth insights, and shaping the narrative of local sports. Additionally, we address frequently asked questions to offer a comprehensive understanding of the impact that PJS's coverage has on athletes, fans, and the sports landscape. PJS and the Mid-Illini Conference: A Vital Connection 1. Local Sports Showcase The Pekin Journal Star serves as a platform that shines a spotlight on local sports within the Mid-Illini Conference. It showcases the achievements, challenges, and triumphs of student-athletes, allowing their stories to be heard on a broader scale. 2. Fostering Community Engagement PJS's coverage of the Mid-Illini Conference fosters community engagement by creating a sense of unity among residents who rally behind their local teams. Fans become more invested in the successes of their teams, building a stronger bond within the community. 3. Amplifying Athlete Stories Through PJS's coverage, the stories of individual athletes come to life. Profiles, interviews, and feature articles humanize the players and provide readers with a deeper understanding of their journeys, aspirations, and contributions to their teams. Exploring the Elements of Coverage 1. Comprehensive Game Reports PJS's coverage includes comprehensive game reports that capture the action, drama, and outcomes of matches within the Mid-Illini Conference. These reports offer readers a play-by-play account of the games. 2. Player and Coach Interviews Interviews with players and coaches provide insights into their strategies, experiences, and thoughts on the competition. These interviews offer a unique perspective that goes beyond the on-field dynamics. 3. Community Interaction PJS's coverage often extends beyond traditional reporting, involving community interaction through social media, polls, and reader engagement. This interactive approach adds an extra layer of engagement to the coverage. Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding PJS's Mid-Illini Coverage Q1: What is PJS's coverage of the Mid-Illini Conference? PJS's coverage of the Mid-Illini Conference refers to its reporting on sports events, teams, athletes, and outcomes within the conference. It includes game reports, interviews, and community engagement. Q2: How does PJS foster community engagement? PJS fosters community engagement by connecting residents through their shared support for local teams. Coverage of games, athletes, and events creates a sense of unity within the community. Q3: How does PJS's coverage benefit athletes and teams? PJS's coverage provides recognition and visibility to athletes and teams within the Mid-Illini Conference. It highlights their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. Q4: Why are player and coach interviews significant? Player and coach interviews offer insights into the human side of sports. They provide readers with a deeper understanding of the strategies, challenges, and aspirations of athletes and coaches. Q5: How does PJS's coverage shape the sports narrative? PJS's coverage shapes the sports narrative by presenting a well-rounded perspective on games, players, and teams. It goes beyond the scores to capture the emotions and stories that define local sports. Celebrating Local Sports: PJS's Mid-Illini Connection PJS's coverage of the Mid-Illini Conference is more than just reporting; it's a celebration of the vibrant local sports culture that thrives within the community. By capturing the essence of the games, highlighting the journeys of athletes, and fostering engagement, PJS creates a tapestry of stories that enrich the sports landscape and unite residents in their shared love for sports. Through the lens of PJS, the Mid-Illini Conference becomes a dynamic arena where aspirations are realized, memories are made, and the spirit of competition resonates throughout the community.
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